Gallatin Valley Earth Day will play host to two special events this month, preceding the spring festival of the same name. First up is “How Can We Better Protect Our Community from Future Wildfires?” on Tuesday, March 5th. The event will include a film screening of Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire and panel discussion. The evening begins at 7pm and will be held in Museum of the Rockies’ Hager Auditorium.
Large wildfires and the negative impacts are increasing as the climate warms. To learn how we can better protect our community from the worst impacts, join for a viewing of this critically acclaimed, award-winning documentary. A discussion with local experts Dave McWethy (MSU), Jessica Haas (USFS) and Jessica Braun (Firebreak Management) will follow the screening to explore what steps we can take to be more prepared.
Following on Thursday, March 28th, another talk entitled “Trout, Drought & Floods: How Trees Impact the Gallatin Watershed” will be held at Bozeman Public Library. Lilly McLane from the Gallatin Watershed Council will be on hand to present. The evening begins at 6:30pm.
From forested mountain slopes, to hilly draws and ribbons of streams across our valley, trees follow water on its journey to the Gallatin River and beyond. Trees are one of the most impactful components of watershed health from their canopy down to their roots, helping to minimize risks of flood and erosion; store water naturally and buffer drought; provide critical fish and wildlife habitat; and treat pollution to ensure clean water. While touching on other ecosystems, this talk will primarily focus on riparian areas, what they do for us, and a shared vision for streamside management that can help ensure a sustainable future in the Gallatin Valley.
These events are free and open to the public. Find live-stream registration links and additional event information at www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org. Details about other upcoming talks will be available through the website leading up to the April 20th festival.
Gallatin Valley Earth Day encourages local citizen action to help protect our planet from right here in the Gallatin Valley. The group came together in creation of a Bozeman festival that celebrates this vital work. Learn more by visiting the aforementioned website. •
